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Pre-Advent Planning
As unbelievable as it seems, we are quickly moving into the season of Advent, a time a preparation the Lord’s birth. It is, of course, an exciting, but hectic time for families. It takes a big effort during this craziness to make the focus of Advent what is really important---Christ. The best way to combat losing Christ in the chaos is to plan NOW how you will focus on preparing for His birth. Please mark Sunday mass on your calendars. The first week of Advent is Sunday, November 30 (the Sunday of thanksgiving weekend). Point out the Advent wreath at church and help build the anticipation for the coming of Jesus, not just presents. It is a wonderful way for us to grow as Christians as well as teach our children what is really important in life. Listed below are some Advent opportunities.
Prayerful Opportunities:
· Make it a point to attend all 4 Advent masses (either Saturdays 4:30 or Sundays, Nov 30 – Dec 21)
· Advent Reconciliation Service November 30, 4 -5:30 pm in church.
· Simbang Gabi December 13, 4:30 All are welcome to this beautiful Philippine Christmas custom.
Giving Opportunities:
· Salvation Army Food Drive Drums are located now in our school foyer. Please bring non-perishable foods, such as canned fruits, vegetables, meats, as well as pastas, sauces and baby food. Toiletries such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo are also accepted.
· St. Vincent DePaul Clothing Drive Friday, November 28 9am – noon
Faith and Service Projects at MBVM
2008 News:The fourth grade class is collecting material/money for the University of Chicago Comer’s children Hospital. It will be given to volunteers who make receiving blankets and boppy pillows for the babies. If you are interested in adding to the fourth grade cause by donating a yard of material (appropriate for a baby blanket ) or a few dollars to help defray the cost, please contact Mrs. Amy Forbes at aforbes@mbvm.org or call the school
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Maternity B.V.M. works with parents in the religious education of their children. Parents are the primary religious educators of their children. The values and attitudes of parents are communicated to their children in their daily lives. The students at Maternity B.V.M. receive regular Religious Education in their classrooms where they pray and learn together. The students learn to live as Jesus taught us. Service and community prayer are an important part of Catholicism and this is stressed at Maternity B.V.M. School. There are many service opportunities available in which students are able to participate.
2007-2008 Make-A-Change Totals 
| September |
$1730.00 |
St. Francis Xavier Parish/School (Belize) - damaged in recent hurricanes |
| October |
$232.05 |
Salvation Army |
| December |
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Purchased Christmas Gifts for Needy Families |
| January |
$504.31 |
Viatorian Retirement Fund |
| February |
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Collecting Seeds for Belize/Donations to Jump Rope for Heart |
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Sacraments
Reconciliation: 2nd grade
Eucharist: 2nd grade
Confirmation: 8th grade
Liturgical Experiences
All grades participate in School Masses, Stations of the Cross, Rosary Services, Reconciliation Services, Advent Wreath Services, Prayer Services and Retreat Days
School Mass Opportunities
Prayer Buddies: Jr. high students paired with Pre-K, K & 1st grade
Altar Servers: 5th - 8th grade
Readings and Prayers of Intention: All grades
Cantors, Musicians and Ushers: Various grades (typically 5th - 8th)
School Service Opportunities
A variety of service opportunities with the Maternity B.V.M. community and the general community become available throughout the school year, some of which include: assisting with stuffing inserts into the weekly Sunday bulletins, working the monthly Market Days, visiting nursing homes, donating canned goods for the food pantry, donating “Seeds for Belize,” assisting at the Salvation Army and providing Christmas gifts for the elderly.
Parish Liturgical Opportunities
Altar Servers: 5th grade - high school
Children’s Choir (special occasions): K - 3rd grade
Youth Musicians: Jr. - Sr. high students
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